An Exercise for Increasing Students' Understanding of Life-Span Developmental Psychology

During the first week of a class in developmental psychology, students listed 5 to 7 characteristics they believed represent life-span developmental characteristics for the categories of infants, young children, adolescents, middle-aged adults, and older adults. Students retained their lists which were referred to during discussion throughout the course. Students reported this activity increased their understanding of topics central to life-span developmental psychology.